Children's Culture Connection

Ok, so I'm not exactly sure how I heard about this. I think it might have been from the FCC-Midwest newsletter. In any case, there is a really great organization called Children's Culture Connection that is dedicated to helping children gain an appreciation for other cultures. They've just started a series of stories about the world travels of four internationally adopted sisters

The current (and I *think* first) episode is called The Adventures of Ming Yao in Destination: Hong Kong. Here's the description from the site:

Meet Ming Yao-- adopted from China as a toddler, she’s now an all-American teenager who never shies away from an adventure in her native land. Fearless, fun and very fashionable, this plucky heroine charms people wherever she goes. In this episode she accompanies her mom to Hong Kong--where East meets West in a high energy city filled with color & contrast. Whether she’s on a shopping spree in a designer boutique, practicing tai chi in the park, or joining in on a back-alley mahjong game, Ming Yao blazes her own trail, taking young readers off the beaten path to explore the real Hong Kong ---on an adventure they will never forget!

Our copy just came in the mail today and, although it will be a while before Nora is old enough to read it, I'm really happy to have it. The book is written diary style and is printed in a font that resembles a young girl's handwriting. It reads very much like a travel journal, including pictures, sketches and swatches of fabric.

Ordering information is available on their site at Children's Cultural Connection. You can also sign up to receive notification of future events.

An extra plus is that half of the US $15 purchase price is donated to charity! I chose to have mine donated to Half the Sky Foundation. This organization will be familiar to those of you who received our Christmas card last year or who have seen the poster in my office. They do great work, please consider them when you plan your giving!